updated 03:25 pm EST, Tue March 6, 2012

Could be launch firmware for new iPad

A Gold Master of iOS 5.1 has just emerged from three weeks of quality assurance testing, a Chronic Wire report claims. The testing is said to have included internal work at Apple, as well as efforts by "various carriers/partners." Rumored features include Japanese support in Siri, better camera access at the lock screen, and "at least" two new features that have yet to be leaked to the public.

A "very solid source" indicates that the Gold Master is build 9B176. Three different people testing the Gold Master say they have higher build numbers, but it's speculated that the people may already be testing a new version of iOS, perhaps v5.1.1. Regardless, Apple has yet to push a Gold Master to external servers.

iOS 5.1 has been under development for some time. The Gold Master could debut as soon as tomorrow, when Apple will announce a new iPad. The company often pairs firmware updates with new hardware; v5.1 will likely come pre-installed on new iPads.